How to Make Edirne Meatballs; An Authentic Recipe from the City of Edirne, Turkey / It’s Basically Our Own Shami Meatballs but Softer and More Fragrant

Monday, May 19, 2025

Saed News: Edirne meatballs are one of Turkey's authentic and popular dishes, rooted in the historic city of Edirne.

How to Make Edirne Meatballs; An Authentic Recipe from the City of Edirne, Turkey / It’s Basically Our Own Shami Meatballs but Softer and More Fragrant

According to the Cooking Service of Saed News, Edirne Meatballs are one of Turkey’s authentic and popular dishes, rooted in the historic city of Edirne; a city with several centuries of history, famous for its Ottoman architecture and street foods. These meatballs have a delicate texture, rich flavor, and pleasant aroma, which come from a blend of lamb meat, traditional spices, and the chef’s skill.

If you are also looking for a new and delightful experience of Middle Eastern cuisine, this recipe for Edirne Meatballs will be an excellent choice for you.


Ingredients for Edirne Meatballs

(Serves 2)

Ingredient

Amount

Ground lamb meat

500 grams

Grated onion

1 medium

Egg

1

Breadcrumbs (or galeta)

2 tablespoons

Milk

2 tablespoons

Salt

To taste

Black pepper

To taste

Cumin

A little (for aroma)

Julienned onion (for serving)

1

Fresh chopped parsley (for serving)

4–5 sprigs


Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb with grated onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and spices (salt, pepper, cumin). Using clean hands or gloves, knead the mixture well until you get a uniform, sticky, and soft dough.

    Note: The more you knead, the better the texture of the meatballs will be, and they will not crack during cooking.

  2. Shaping the Meatballs:
    Take walnut-sized portions of the mixture and shape them into oval or flattened round forms with your palms. Try not to make them too thick so they cook through.

  3. Cooking the Meatballs:
    Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Lightly brush the meatballs with oil using a cooking brush, and cook them in the pan without adding extra oil.

    Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes or until golden and fully cooked. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meatballs.

  4. Serving:
    Serve the meatballs hot and fresh with julienned onion and freshly chopped parsley. You can also accompany them with fresh bread, yogurt drink (ayran), or plain rice.


Additional Tips:

  • If your meat is not very fatty, you can add a little oil to the mixture to prevent dryness.

  • For extra aroma, you can add a bit of paprika powder or sweet red pepper to the mix.

  • In Edirne, these meatballs are often served with pita bread or plain pilaf rice and salad.


Final Result:

Edirne Meatballs with their delicate texture, balanced flavor, and pleasant aroma are perfect both for a homemade dinner and small gatherings. This traditional Turkish meatball is not only a flavorful dish but also a valuable cultural experience from the Balkan region’s cuisine.



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